3rd CAB raises awareness on sexual assault

HUNTER ARMY AIRFIELD, Ga. – The 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade sexual assault response coordinator teamed with battalion victim advocates and other volunteers in the Hunter Army Airfield community in raising awareness about sexual assault by handing out flyers to everyone entering the gates onto Hunter Army Airfield April 4.

The 3rd CAB SARC, Sgt. 1st Class Zane Jones, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, wanted to make an impact by doing his part to raise awareness on such a delicate matter during April, which is sexual assault awareness month.

“We’re taking time to put focus on the important subject of sexual assault,” said Jones. “Sexual assault has received attention in the media lately, and we’ve made strides in addressing sexual assault lately in the Army, but we still have some work to do.”

Jones said that to combat sexual assault we will need to do so collectively, and that is going to take the active involvement of everyone in the Army and the military as a whole.

“Our goal is to change the culture regarding sexual harassment and sexual assault,” continued Jones.

“I believe that everyone has a duty to impact someone’s life, especially when you’re talking about changing the culture of something as important as preventing sexual assault,” said Murray.

According to statistics provided by Murray, there were 78 sexual assaults on Fort Stewart and Hunter Army airfield combined in fiscal year 2013. Murray hopes that with the Army being more offender-focused in its training, those numbers will decrease. She encourages Soldiers to intervene and act if they see sexual assault or harassment taking place.

“Stand up. Don’t settle for inappropriate behavior,” continued Murray. “Don’t be a bystander. Sexual assault can be a life altering event. There is no pain management scale from 1 to 10 for sexual assault victims.”